New Zealand is part of the English-speaking world, but is a very isolated country. It is sparsely populated, mostly consisting of descendents of Europeans colonists, but native Maori culture is influential on the greater society. There are also some communities of Asians. English is the universal language in New Zealand, but many people speak Maori. New Zealand English is unique enough have its own publication of the Oxford New Zealand English Dictionary. If you are planning on relocating to New Zealand, you should do some research about language differences and slang.
One tip: when you are referring to a “bathroom,” people from New Zealand will automatically think of a room with a bath in it. You’ll have to ask for a “toilet” to be specific.
Never confuse a New Zealand accent with an Australian one, as they’ll often get offended. They also have different slang and word usage from Australians.
Here is a dictionary of some commonly used New Zealand English phrases:
Bach: Small holiday home
Beaut: Great; good fun
Biscuit: Cookie
Bob’s Your Uncle: Used as “There you go!”
Boot: Car trunk
Brekkie: Shortened form of “breakfast”
Bugger off: Go away
Bush: Forest
Candyfloss: Cotton Candy
Car Park: Parking lot
Chips: French fries
Choc-a-bloc: Filled up or overflowing
Choice!: Cool, awesome
Chrissy: Christmas
Chuffed: Pleased
Cotton Buds: Q tips
Cuz: Cousin
Dairy: Corner store; convenience store
Dole: Unemployment benefit
Dunny: Toilet/Bathroom
Fizzy: Soda pop
Flannel: Wash cloth
Flicks: Movies
Flog: Steal
Fringe: Bangs
Get off the Grass: “No way!”
Good on ya, mate!: “Good job!”
Greasies: Fish and chips
Gridiron: American football
Hard Case: Joker/Funny person
Home ‘n Hosed: Safe or completed successfully
Hottie: Hot water bottle
Ice Block: Popsicle
Jersey: Sweater
Judder Bar: Speed bump
Jumper: Woolen sweater
Kiwi: New Zealander
Kick the Bucket: To die
Lemonade: 7-Up
Lift: Elevator
Lolly: Candy
Loo: Bathroom
Motorway: Freeway/highway
Naff off!: “Get lost!”
Nought: Zero
Pavement: Sidewalk
Petrol: Gasoline
Piker: Someone who gives up easily
Pong: Bad smell
Push Bike: Bicycle
Rellies: Relatives
Sarnie: Sandwich
Shandy: Drink that consists of lemonade and beer
Skiting: Bragging
Sparkie: Electrician
Suss: To figure out
Thick: Dumb
Torch: Flashlight
Twink: White-out
Wally: Loser
Whinge: Complain
Yonks: Referring to a long time ago; ages
Here are some common Maori words and expressions:
Kia Ora: Hello (literally: good health)
Iwi: Maori tribe or people
Kai: Food
Pakeha: New Zealanders of European descent
Wharenui: Big house; meeting house
Whanau: A Maori family
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